Post-Harvest Technologist

About the role

IITA is recruiting a Post-Harvest Technologist for an ongoing donor-funded project in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions of Ghana. The post-holder works under the supervision of the IITA Post Harvest Scientist and the Chief Scientist of the Africa RISING West Africa Project, as part of a team of research and development partners working with community-based organisations, farmers, women and youth. The work tests, adapts and disseminates post-harvest technologies such as threshing, drying, cleaning, storage, value addition and packaging to maintain quality, protect food safety and reduce losses of stored cereal and legume grains.

Key responsibilities

• Document indigenous knowledge on post-harvest management practices and study storage losses in cereal and legume grains.
• Compare improved post-harvest technologies with farmers' practices and demonstrate or disseminate them to reduce storage losses.
• Assist with research on improving existing and new value-added products and promote their adoption.
• Collect, analyse and summarise data, and assist with developing training and extension programmes.
• Prepare technical reports and research articles for publication.
• Supervise and train research technicians and partners, and help organise workshops, meetings and monitoring tours.
• Maintain contacts with farmers and stakeholders and perform other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Required profile

• Nationally recruited staff position; initial appointment is a fixed term of two years, renewable depending on performance and funding.
• Duty station Bolgatanga, with field travel to project sites in the Upper West, Upper East and Northern Regions.
• Post-graduate degree (MSc or post-graduate diploma) in Post-Harvest Technology or a related field from a recognised university.
• At least 4-5 years of relevant experience in post-harvest research and development.

Required skills

• Research-for-development skills in post-harvest management.
• Good writing and verbal communication in English and other local languages of northern Ghana.
• Excellent computer skills and knowledge of statistical packages used in post-harvest research.
• Ability to work under pressure with little supervision, in multicultural teams and in an international environment.
• Knowledge of Ghana's agricultural development scene is an advantage.

To apply, send a cover letter and CV (maximum 4 pages) with supporting documents and the contact details of three referees to the Country Representative, IITA-Ghana, by email. Applications close on 31 December 2016; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.